WhatsApp is now testing an internet image search feature
WhatsApp has started testing a feature that will allow users to quickly look up an image received from another user with just a few taps. The messaging platform has rolled out a new feature for beta testers that adds a reverse image lookup feature for images in chats, helping users identify manipulated media. Currently, the feature is only available to beta testers on Android, but it is expected to be rolled out to all users in the future.
WhatsApp is testing ‘Web Search’ image lookup feature in the latest beta for Android
With the latest update for WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.23.13 (via feature tracker WABetaInfo), beta testers can access a new feature in the media viewer that appears when an image is opened in a chat. The new feature performs a reverse image search after asking for confirmation from the user to upload the image.
Uploading an image requires user confirmation
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
To try out the feature, users will need to install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Android, then open a chat and select an image. They can tap the three-dot menu at the top of the screen and then tap Search the internet > Search. However, the feature appears to be made possible by a server-side update, as Gadgets 360 employees were unable to test the feature even after updating to the latest beta version.
Unlike recent cosmetic updates to WhatsApp for Android, the new image lookup feature is a powerful tool for quickly determining the source of an image. With a few taps, users can identify identical or similar images posted online, or check if they have received images that have been altered or modified – tactics that allow users to spread misinformation.
The feature relies on Google’s reverse image search feature, so it’s worth noting that WhatsApp allows users to access it at their discretion. Meta’s messaging platform also says it cannot access images before, during or after they are sent to Google for processing. The reverse image lookup feature is available to some beta testers and is expected to roll out to all users at a later date.
